Specifications
Brain training software
Dual N-Back Brain Training
- Our program implements the original Jaeggi et al (2008) dual n-back brain training exercise.
- This is the only n-back version with scientifically demonstrated memory and IQ gains.
- In addition to the standard Jaeggi exercise there is a more challenging n-back exercise, preventing ‘chunking’ strategies which can occur with the original version.
- Unlimited dual n-back training.
Unique N-Back Options
Additional n-back options, unique to Brain Power® include:
- Audio, Visual (practice) and Dual (audio plus visual) modes.
- Choice of different speed settings. The faster time setting halves training time.
- 20 block, 10/10, and 10 block modes – allowing your training program to match your schedule.
- Audio error feedback option. Error feedback improves learning.
- English, German, Italian and Spanish language options.
- Letters and numbers options for dual n-back audio mode.
- Different language versions for the task: English, German, Spanish, Italian.
- Multiple Profiles – with different option settings – stored simultaneously.
Money back guarantee
- >40% working memory (short term memory) gain
- 10-20 IQ point gain on valid IQ tests (either professionally administered or valid tests we supply for free)
Free valid IQ tests
Almost all on-line IQ tests lack scientific validity. On purchasing the software we provide links to two valid, scientifically based IQ tests that will give you a true measure of your IQ. You can use these tests for pre- and post-training measures of your cognitive performance.
Customer satisfaction
We have sold many hundreds of copies of our software and have virtually 100% customer satisfaction. Our software is tried and tested, with a money-back guarantee.
Online members forums & brain training digest
In addition our company provides the following long term services:
- Online, members only, community forum to exchange training ideas and experiences.
- Automatic RSS feeds for brain training related scientific research in digest format.
- Updated puzzles and IQ problems on our website for ongoing training.
- Twitter feeds.
Support
- Prompt software and brain-training related support.
Low cost upgrade to i3 Mindware®
For a low cost ($14.99) you can upgrade simply and automatically to or i3Mindware®, to benefit from the additional brain training puzzles and resources these software products provide.
Platform
- State of the art Adobe AIR interface, compatible with all operating systems – including Windows, Mac & Linux.
System requirements
The BrainPower® software application runs on Adobe AIR (free to download) and has the following system requirements.
WINDOWS
- Intel® Pentium® III 1GHz or faster processor, 512MB of RAM
- Recommended: Pentium 4 2GHZ or faster, 1GB RAM
- Windows 7, Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise including 64 bit editions, Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2 and SP3, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows 2003 Server
MAC OS X
- Intel Core™ Duo 1.83 GHz or faster processor; PowerPC® G4 1GHz or faster processor
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.4, 10.5.5, and 10.6
- 512MB of RAM
LINUX
- Intel® Pentium® III 1GHz or faster processor, 512MB of RAM
- Recommended: Pentium 4 2GHZ or faster, 1GB RAM
- Fedora 8 and later, Ubuntu 7.10 and later, OpenSuse 10.3 and later
- xterm should be present on the system
Age range
Suitable for 15 years of age and older. This IQ software can be used by adults of all ages.
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Screenshots
FAQs
What effects will I see as a result of the brain training?
BrainPower® is a highly effective ‘core training’ task , with widespread cognitive benefits. These include significant and measurable increases in:
- short term memory (also known as working memory)
- general problem solving ability – a core aspect of IQ
- will-power and self-control
- attentional focus - and the ability to ignore distractions
- mood – there is evidence that this training improves overall mood
How can it help me in my life?
It will also be of benefit for improving short-term memory – and any tasks with short term memory demands.
Dave first noticed the effects when he unconsciously memorized restaurant take-out orders for 10 family members so he could call them in. His family was floored but he didn’t realize why until they told him they couldn’t do it without writing things down. In both of our experiences, once you get new brain skills, there’s no going back, and they immediately feel natural and like a part of you.
Andrew Clark
It can also help with success in attaining goals, particularly those requiring will-power and self-control. Thus it can help with overcoming additions or unwanted habits.
I wanted to be more efficient when working on projects. This meant not being distracted by e-mails, Facebook, and Twitter. I found that my training helped me stick to the rule: don’t look at these things until after 5pm!
George Albert, London
As a result of its problem solving benefits, it can help with exams, projects, papers, and any challenge that requires analytic or problem solving skills.
Are the cognitive gains permanent?
The science shows that the training results in permanent neuroplasticity changes [journal article link], and long-term IQ gains [WSJ link]. Here is one customer’s experience:
The best part about the training is that it’s permanent. After the 20 sessions you see above I did no training for a full 8 months to see if I’d forget the skill and have to start over. The results were an astounding OPPOSITE of what I expected, as if my brain had further optimized itself during the 8 months off.
Can I continue training past the 20 days program?
Yes – training with our software can be unlimited. Scientists have looked at the effects of 20 days of training, but not beyond this, and greater cognitive gains are entirely possible. There are additional settings – different speeds, and numbers instead of letters, to keep the training interesting and motivating.
What makes this training software better than others on the market?
This is the only dual n-back software that has been developed by a cognitive neuroscientist led team and that replicates the single proven Jaeggi training method that increases short term memory and IQ [paper here].
Because it is scientifically designed, we can be confident in offering our IQ and memory increase money-back guarantee. We are the only company that offers a guarantee for increasing brain power.
The multiple language settings, multi-speed settings, letters vs numbers mode and error feedback are also unique, and significantly optimize training.
There are numerous additional services that are provided in addition to the software. See Specifications.
How does BrainPower® differ from i3Mindware®?
BrainPower® is the core n-back working memory training, without IQ problems or brain-teasers. i3Mindware® has scientifically designed IQ problems built in that target specific aspects of intelligence.
Can I increase my memory, will power & IQ in less than 20 days?
We have found that you can gain substantially in brain power from around 12 days of training up to 20 days. Some individuals have a faster learning curve, and have experienced dramatic gains in as few as 5 training sessions. However, the usual requirement for the guaranteed gains is 20 days training.
What do I do in the training program?
It is a streaming short-term memory task, involving keeping track of audio and visual information simultaneously. Designing this n-back task as an effective brain training method took more than a decade of research in cognitive science.
Working memory is short term memory for holding in mind items of information to perform a task while ignoring distractions. It is the memory system used in reasoning and problem solving – the core of your IQ. It is also the system involved in prioritizing goals, self-control and will power. In the training you are exercising your working memory in a task called the ’dual n-back’. It is an exercise that continually adapts to your level of practice, with quantitative, graphical feedback on your performance which helps with motivation.
Is the brain training difficult? Is it fun?
BrainPower® cannot be too difficult or too easy, regardless of your starting ability. The program continually adjusts to match your current ability level based on the feedback it gets on your performance. This ensures that the task always remains challenging and motivating. Some people think it is fun and even addictive. Others find it difficult, but rewarding. This training software results in real gains in intelligence, and results in real changes in your brain; like physical exercise, it involves a commitment, but like physical exercise, it can be a buzz – particularly if you are training with others.
Can I take breaks in my training program?
You can take 2 days break for every week’s training, but we do not suggest having larger breaks to get the full training benefits. It doesn’t matter how these two days are spaced out.
Is this training software useful for university entrance exams?
This training is highly recommended for senior high school students who are preparing for college / university entrance exams. University entrance exams – such as the SATs – are in large part IQ tests.
Can Brain Power® help with Alzheimers or cognitive aging?
There is evidence that this training method does help with cognitive aging, and even dementias such as Alzheimers. It is strongly recommended for those who feel that their short term memory is getting worse or are concerned that their cognitive functioning is less effective than it has been.
If English is not my native language, can I use this software?
The training exercise has a visual and an audio component. Language is not needed for the visual component. For the audio, there are English, Italian, German and Spanish language options. There is no language comprehension required.
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Reviews & Press
Scientists endorsements of the Jaeggi dual n-back training method
Increasing intelligence is possible after all …with more training leading to greater gains …across the spectrum of abilities. …Almost 40 years ago, Jensen claimed that, when all is said and done, there is not much one can do to raise people’s IQs. Jaeggi and her colleagues have made an important contribution… by showing that intelligence is trainable to a significant and meaningful degree.
Robert Sternberg, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Indiana University
I know, there is a huge market of software concerning brain training, IQ-training, and so on. But there is no real scientific evidence that these programs actually work, that is, that they actually boost intelligence or train something else than the task itself, at least in young adults. The … fact that we reliably showed transfer effects after training, and moreover, that we showed transfer to such an important function as fluid intelligence is a very new and exciting finding in our field.
Dr Susanne Jaeggi, University of Michigan
It it is possible that these exercises aid with nerve cell growth or nerve cell function in some way or alter neurological function in some way… The results are exciting and have implications for a wide variety of fields including alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Dr. Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist & Gresham Professor for Public Understanding of Psychiatry
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Scientific Press
Simple Brain Exercise Can Boost IQ
Can mental training improve your intelligence? No video game or mental puzzle has convincingly been shown to work. But now a group of neuropsychologists claims it has found a task that can add points to a person’s IQ – and the harder you train, they say, the more you gain.
New Scientist, 28th April, 2008
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Smarten Up. Practicing a Challenging Memory Task Spurs a Surprising Intelligence Gain
If you’re looking for an intellectual picker-upper that doesn’t come in a pill, remember this: A relatively brief memory-training program jump-starts general reasoning skills and problem-solving proficiency, according to a new study.
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Training Can Increase Fluid Intelligence, Once Thought To Be Fixed At Birth
Can human beings rev up their intelligence quotients, or are they stuck with IQs set by their genes at birth? Until recently, nature seemed to be the clear winner over nurture. …But new research, led by Swiss postdoctoral fellows Susanne M. Jaeggi and Martin Buschkuehl, working at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, suggests that at least one aspect of a person’s IQ can be improved by training a certain type of memory.
Medical News Today, 7th June, 2008
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Plastic Brain Outsmarts Experts
Crystallized intelligence draws on existing skills, knowledge and experiences to solve problems … Fluid intelligence draws on the ability to understand relationships between various concepts, independent of any previous knowledge or skills, to solve new problems. The research shows that this part of intelligence can be improved through memory training. …General intelligence is a key to determining life outcomes such as academic success, job performance and occupational advancement … Researchers also surmise that this same type of memory training may help children with developmental problems and older adults who face memory decline.
National Science Foundation, June 2008
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Customers’ testimonials
I’m interested in brain fitness. The claim in the website was that my working memory performance and IQ would increase by 40% and 15 IQ points. I got more than a 50% improvement in my memory and a 18 point IQ increase. After training with Brain Power I noticed a lot of benefits – better focus and more mental efficiency, and better problem solving. My short term memory definitely improved.
M. Jacobs
Lake Charles, LA
Nutrition specialist
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My short term memory isn’t as good as it was, and I’ve been concerned about Alzheimers since it’s been in the family. I read around a bit and found that working memory training (the dual n-back task) was an effective way of preventing it. Brain Power was the most scientifically valid software I could find for short term/working memory training. After the training program, I believe my brain fitness and short term memory has never been better, and my test scores proved that it’s working for me.
Marie H. Phillips
Los Angeles, CA
Histology technician
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I had a working memory span of 3 and it went up to 6 by the 20th session. I’m a musician and was interested in how a larger working memory capacity could help with my sight reading and improvisation. I’ve been impressed by the results. I find that my performance level has improved significantly.
Sabine Meyer
Vahlbruch, Germany
Musician
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Training with Brain Power has helped me give up a number of bad habits, including smoking. I have found it helps me with self-discipline and ensuring that I obtain the goals that I set myself without getting tempted to drop them.
A. Ziegler
Germany
Programmer
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Scientific Basis
Why it has taken 40 years to develop brain training that works
It is only due to recent insights from cognitive psychology about the functioning of working memory – a short term memory system that lies at the core of many cognitive tasks – that scientists have now developed an effective brain training exercise for cognitive enhancement - including gains in memory, IQ, self-control, & will power.
Relationships between working memory and different cognitive functions and brain regions according to brainSCANr are shown below.
Brain training that specifically targets working memory capacity and function can tranfser across many cognitive functions because of these connections.
A review from this year (Does working memory training work? The promise and challenges of enhancing cognition by training working memory. Psychon Bull Rev 2011) concludes:
core working memory training studies seem to produce far-reaching transfer effects, likely because they target domain-general mechanisms of working memory. The results of individual studies encourage optimism regarding the value of working memory training as a tool for general cognitive enhancement.
Working memory definition
The amount of information most people can hold in short term memory (numbers, food items, directions) is limited to around 7 items plus or minus 2. This short term memory capacity or ‘memory span’ has been called the ‘magical number seven’ in one of the most famous papers in cognitive psychology, by George Miller at Princeton University.
But more important than just remembering information by rote is being able to do mental operations on that information – to solve a problem, to figure something out, or reason through something to find an answer. For instance, imagining the changing locations of chess pieces in a game of chess, or figuring out a 15% tip.
The ability to hold information in mind for brief periods, and do mental operations on it while screening out distracting information is called working memory. With working memory you do mental work on the information, not just store it.
The average capacity of working memory is much less than 7. Most people have a working memory capacity of about 2 or 3.
How to train working memory: The dual n-back
Technically, effective ‘core training’ of working memory is designed to:
- limit the use of domain-specific strategies
- minimize automization
- include tasks/stimuli that span multiple modalities
- require maintenance in the face of interference
- enforce rapid working memory encoding and retrieval demands
- adapt to participants’ varying level of proficiency
- demand high cognitive workloads or high intensity cognitive engagement
- involve sequential processing and frequent memory updating
In 2008, a team of cognitive neuroscientists led by Dr Susan Jaeggi implemented these requirements in what is called the dual n-back task.
After training people for 19 days, 20 minutes per day on the dual n-back, striking gains in intelligence as well as working memory capacity were recorded. Many people doubled their working memory capacity, and gains in IQ on the IQ test they employed were in the region of 40-50%.
The pdf of this ground-breaking study can be downloaded here:
What happens in the dual n-back task?
In the dual n-back task a person must hold a series of information items in memory in two modalities – visual and audio – and look for matches of the same stimulus over time. In the example of a ’2-back’ task below, stimuli are refreshed ever 3 seconds both in the position of the blue square and the letter that is heard (whether a ‘C’, ‘P’, ‘T’ or ‘G’). In this example, the correct responses in the audio modality would be on the 3rd and 5th stimulus presentations (or ‘trials’), as is indicated by the arrows. For the visual modality, the correct responses would be on the 3rd and 6th stimulus presentations.
If a person reaches a high level of accuracy on a 2-back, the n-back level increases to a 3-back, and so on. In this way the difficulty level of the task “adapts to participants’ varying level of proficiency”. The n-back level is a measure of working memory capacity, and the bigger it is, the greater the general cognitive enhancement in an individual, as explained above.
Generally, Brain Power increases a person’s n-back level from a 2-back to a 5 back working memory capacity.
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Download Now
Order your instant BrainPower® download here
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Single User License: $24.99
Pay by PayPal or Credit Card here
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Train with friends or family
Multi User License (Up to 3 Separate PCs/Laptops): $34.99
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For system requirements click here
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